According to a recent study, a cat's taste buds are very different compared to other animals. They possess more receptors for bitterness than sweetness, this makes most cats very finicky and picky about what they eat. Lack of poor eating habits can thus lead to poor nourishment and unhealthy development. Hence, cat parents are required to pay special attention to what their kitties eat, how much they eat, and how often. Feeding them a bowl full of treats and meals is not enough, caregivers also need to consider the nutritional value of their feline friend’s meal.
Choosing the right cat food to provide an adequate amount of vitamins for cats is important. Besides, being carnivorous animals, cats prefer animal-based products over the plant-based ones. IAMS cat food is high-quality animal-based protein that includes essential amino acids required for your kitty’s nourishment.
Essential nutrients for cats
Cats need specific nutrients for appropriate growth and development. Components like vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and fat are some of the essential nutrients present in good-quality cat food. Cats can get most of these nutrients from food like dairy, bone meal, legume plants, animal organs, and dietary supplements. The following are the necessary cat food nutrients to look for:
- Calories
- Fat
- Protein
- Carbohydrate
- Mineral
- Water
- Vitamin
How to choose the right cat food?
Look for the following to ensure you only invest in the best meals for your cats when buying cat food:
- Check the cat food label to ensure it contains all essential nutritional values and minerals for cats.
- Make sure the cat food is certified and tested to provide complete and balanced nutrition for the overall development of cats.
You can also choose IAMS cat food to feed your kitty a complete and nourishing meal. IAMS cat food contains unique fatty acids that result in healthier skin, shiny fur, adequate membrane structure, and improved health. Besides, the fermented fiber present in IAMS products improves intestinal health by boosting your kitty’s digestive and gastrointestinal functions.
With our wide range of cat foods, you can choose the one that fits your pet’s needs and preference. IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Adult is made with love to ensure your cat has a shiny coat, healthy skin, and strong muscles. It comes in different flavors like Chicken, Tuna and Salmon Meal as well as Chicken and Salmon Meal.
If you are concerned about issues like unhealthy weight and hairball, you can include IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care. It is loaded with L-carnitine, natural fiber and high-quality protein for weight management and hairball care.
Minerals for cats
The following are some essential minerals for cats:
- Potassium
Cats need potassium for nerve function, muscular contraction, and heart rhythm as this mineral is an electrolyte.
- Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for bone and teeth growth.
- Sodium
This mineral ensures muscle contraction, provides hydration, and powers nerve impulses.
- Chloride
Sodium and chloride work together as electrolytes to maintain acid-base balance, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and hydration.
- Phosphorus
This mineral is essential for your metabolism and vital growth. It also supports your teeth and bone health.
- Iron
Cats need iron for transporting energy in their bodies.
- Selenium
This mineral works in conjunction with vitamin E and works as an essential antioxidant.
- Copper
Cats require copper for bone growth, skin pigmentation as well as the absorption and transportation of iron.
- Magnesium
This mineral is significant for enzyme function and digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in cats.
- Zinc
Another essential mineral for cats is zinc. They need it for metabolising lipids, protein, nuclei, and carbohydrates.
- Iodine
This mineral for cats is important for the development of thyroid hormones.
- Vitamins for cats
A lack of vitamins can result in the abnormal functioning of essential enzymes in cats. Hence, vitamins are important for its healthy growth and development. The following are some of the most essential vitamins for cats:
- Vitamin A
This vitamin improves the cat’s vision, bone, dental, reproduction, mucous membrane, and skin health. Kittens and pregnant cats need more vitamin A compared to adult and senior cats.
- Vitamin B12
Cats need vitamin B12 for metabolising fat and carbohydrate. This vitamin is also necessary for a cat’s nerve conduction.
- Vitamin D
Cats require a minimum of 280 IU of vitamin D per kilogram of food as this vitamin helps in improving their calcium and phosphorous levels. Both calcium and phosphorous are necessary for better bone density, hence vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins for cats.
- Vitamin E
Every adult cat should consume at least 1 to 3 IU of vitamin E per day as this vitamin is an essential antioxidant that protects them from cell oxidative damage.
- Vitamin K
Cats need very little vitamin K for preventing their blood from clotting.
- Riboflavin
This vitamin is necessary for releasing energy from fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin deficiency may result in anorexia, bilateral cataracts, fatty liver, testicular hypoplasia, and periauricular alopecia.
- Thiamine
It improves carbohydrate metabolism in cats. Lack of this vitamin may result in weight loss, vomiting, neurological distress, impaired vision, dilated pupils, vestibular signs, and seizures.
- Niacin
Niacin deficiency may result in fever, oral mucosa, tongue ulcer, and weight loss. This vitamin is essential for breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins present in food.
- Folic Acid
Important for the synthesis of DNA and methionine (an amino acid), folic acid deficiency may cause anemia, weight loss, and leukopenia.
- Pyridoxine
This vitamin is necessary for digesting amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids.
- Biotin
Biotin deficiency may cause skin issues in cats. This vitamin helps in the formation of fatty acids, certain amino acids, and DNA/RNA in cats.
- Choline
Choline is an important neurotransmitter for the cell membranes and lipid.
Therefore, when buying cat food for your feline friend, make sure to check if it contains all the necessary nutrients to aid their better growth and development. You can also buy supplements to provide the necessary vitamins for cats. However, it is best to consult a veterinarian before choosing a new cat food brand or supplements for added vitamins and minerals for cats.
Frequently asked questions
- What are some good vitamins for cats?
- How do cats get minerals?
- Should I give my cats vitamins?
- Do cats need trace minerals?
- What supplements are good for cats?
Some essential vitamins for cats include vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, niacin, biotin, and folic acid.
Cats absorb most of their mineral requirement from the food they consume. Cat food containing meat, liver, cereals, and fish are some of the good sources of minerals for cats.
Cats usually absorb all necessary vitamins from the food they eat. So, it is better to feed them a nourishing meal over vitamin supplements. Cats may need vitamin supplements only in case of deficiency. Please consult a veterinarian for more guidance on the same.
Cats need trace minerals like iron, copper, zinc, and manganese in very small quantities. They ideally depend on their daily diet for getting these minerals.
Cats ideally do not need additional supplements as they can absorb all necessary vitamins and minerals from their meal. However, it is best to consult a veterinarian doctor to know which supplement can be beneficial for your kitty.
When you snuggle up to your new feline friend and notice them scratching a tad too often, it might be a sign of kitten fleas. Along with causing itching and discomfort, this dreaded parasite can also transmit diseases. In fact, during extreme cases, fleas can even cause anemia, especially in little ones like kittens. However, don't worry, we have the purrfect guide for you to handle these pesky invaders.
Kitten flea remedy
Assessing your kitten's flea situation
Before jumping to any kitten flea remedy, you must evaluate the situation. Depending on your kitten's age and weight, your approach will vary.
Points to remember:
Kittens under 12 weeks should not be introduced to chemical flea prevention products.
Always check product guidelines to ensure they are suitable for your kitten’s age and weight.
Only use products designed for cats, as our feline friends process chemicals differently than dogs.
Effective steps to tackle fleas on kittens
Comb your kitten: A fine comb can effectively remove visible fleas.
Bathe your kitten: If your kitten is of suitable age, use a flea and tick shampoo made for sensitive skin. For younger kittens, you might want to try non-medicated, tear-free soaps like a baby shampoo.
Clean the environment: Your battle against fleas isn't just on your kitten. Wash all bedding in hot soapy water and vacuum carpeted areas thoroughly. Empty vacuum bags or canisters outside. Sprays can help eradicate fleas and their eggs indoors.
Protect the Yard: Even if your kitten is an indoor kitty, fleas might sneak in from outside. Using sprays can be an effective way to safeguard your yard.
Safe flea treatment for kittens under 12 weeks
When it comes to flea treatment for kittens under 12 weeks, options can be limited. Young kittens are particularly sensitive, and many treatments suited for adult cats can be harmful to them. Here's how to proceed:
For kittens under 8 weeks old, your safest bet is to use a flea comb. This tool, when dipped in hot, soapy water between brushes, can help you physically remove and kill off adult fleas.
Another effective method for very young kittens is bathing. A gentle bath with warm water and a fragrance-free dish liquid or natural baby shampoo can be effective in reducing the flea population. However, be sure to make this a quick affair to prevent your kitten from getting overly cold or scared.
Essential oils: Not always a kitten's best friend
Natural sounds great, doesn't it? But here's a cat-sized caution: Avoid essential oils as a kitten flea remedy. Many essential oils are toxic to cats, even in minimal doses. Some flea treatments boasting 'natural' ingredients might contain these oils, which could pose risks for your kitten. Always read labels and, when in doubt, consult with your vet.
Safeguarding kittens from fleas: Age-appropriate treatments
For kittens older than 8-10 weeks and weighing more than 1.5-2 pounds, topical treatments become an option. A golden rule here is always to ensure the chosen product matches your kitten's age and weight.
Picking the best kitten flea treatment
It's essential to strike a balance between effectiveness and safety. Prescription treatments from your veterinarian typically offer the most robust protection against fleas. However, there are over-the-counter options available, which might be more accessible for some pet owners. No matter your choice, the key is to read labels carefully and avoid harmful ingredients, such as permethrin and certain essential oils.
Fleas might be pesky, but with knowledge, patience, and the right tools, you can keep your kitten flea-free and happy. Always keep your veterinarian in the loop and ensure any treatment or remedy you use is age and weight appropriate. Remember, a flea-free kitten is a happy kitten!
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